A hearty and flavorful minestrone soup made effortlessly in a slow cooker, packed with vegetables and beans.
Author:Alex Lee
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time:6-8 hours 15 minutes
Yield:6-8 servings 1x
Category:Soup
Method:Slow cooking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the small pasta and fresh spinach. Cover and continue to cook until the pasta is al dente.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference.
For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth.
This can be made vegetarian by ensuring the broth is vegetable-based.